Lois Richer - Gift-Wrapped Family

“Iced tea would be lovely. Thank you.” Mia smiled. The warmth in her words reached Hilda’s heart judging by Hilda’s wide smile.

“Have a seat. It won’t take me a minute.” The older woman bustled inside.

Caleb knew Lily would have preferred to follow Hilda, but that would have meant walking in front of Mia, thereby revealing her damaged leg. He felt his heart squeeze with regret, saddened to see the formerly bubbly child now standing silent in the corner, dark blue eyes riveted on Mia. He struggled to find a conversation opener and came up blank.

“It’s a lot of hair, isn’t it?” Mia mused aloud, reaching a hand to her head. Though she didn’t actually look at Lily, it was obvious the child was the target of her remark. “Sometimes I wish it was shorter like yours. Your hair is so pretty. Those ribbons are perfect.” Mia caught her own hair in her hand and tried to twist it into a ponytail like Lily’s.

“You look like a clown.” Lily promptly burst into the giggles.

“I know.” Mia pulled out a small tablet and a pen from her purse and began sketching a clown with big curly hair, a bulbous red nose and striped balloon pants. “Like this?” she asked, holding out the pad.

Clever, Caleb silently applauded. Why had Mia been afraid when she was so obviously at ease with children?

Mia held the drawing so that Lily had to move nearer to get a good look, which meant she awkwardly shifted her leg. Mia didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she kept drawing, adding to the sketch. In moments Lily was fully vested in the picture, pointing out areas that needed enhancement.

“Can you draw a dog, a brown one?” Lily asked.

“I’ll try.” Mia began sketching until under Lily’s tutelage the face of a chocolate Lab appeared.

“It’s perfect.” Lily grinned. “That’s the dog I want. And I’m going to call him Mr. Fudge.”

“That’s a great name,” Mia said. “Who doesn’t like fudge?”

The air left Caleb’s chest in a rush of relief. This relationship was going to be a success. Mia would make it so because that was the kind of woman she was: caring, gentle and full of love just waiting to be expressed. Maybe her fear had to do with Lily’s father, and yet he saw no fear in Mia now, just a sweet spirit that Lily was warming to. He’d been right to bring them together.

He studied the two heads, one so dark, one shimmering with light, just like her mother’s. He had a hunch that Mia would one day make some lucky child an incredible mother. Some child—like Lily?

Caleb seldom prayed anymore. God seemed too far away. But this afternoon the soundless plea slipped from his heart.

Can You find Lily a new mom, God?

As Lily’s giggles filled the air, Caleb couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather see her with than sweet, gentle Mia.

Chapter Three

“Lily’s an incredible child.” Mia couldn’t conceal how moved she was after meeting her husband’s daughter.

“You didn’t feel a barrier because she’s, well, your stepchild?”

“Not at all.” Her certainty surprised Mia. “It’s obvious Harlan was her father. Those eyes and that chin give it away, but Lily is her own person. She isn’t responsible for Harlan’s betrayal. She’s just a little girl who’s lost her mother.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Caleb said warmly. The admiration and appreciation in his gaze warmed a lonely place Mia always kept hidden.

Perhaps it also emboldened her because she blurted, “What happened to Lily’s leg?”

“A riding accident.” Caleb shuddered. “A year ago she was on a horse for the first time and it threw her. Lily broke her leg. It was a complicated break and hasn’t healed well.”

“Can it be fixed?” Mia asked.

“Reba told Lara she couldn’t find a surgeon willing to try another operation.” Caleb’s forehead furrowed. “I haven’t had time to check into that. Abby Lebret, the woman who runs Family Ties and is trying to find Lily a home, might have more information.”

“Family Ties—oh, yes, the adoption agency you mentioned. So you’ve handed care of Lily over to them?” Mia said, not managing to hide her disapproval.

“It seemed best. I’m not father potential,” he said, defensively, Mia thought.

“I thought you were very loving with her, exactly as a father would be.” She mentally replayed her meeting with Lily. “She reminds me of myself at her age.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard Caleb’s voice.

“How is that?”

“I was a sickly child. I missed a lot because I was often in hospital or at home recuperating.” Wishing she’d kept silent and fearing Caleb would press to hear more, Mia explained, “It was hard socially when I joined school after the others had already made friends.”

“You think Lily’s missing out like that?” The idea seemed to startle him. “I’ve been so intent on getting her affairs worked out that I never gave much thought to her social state.”

“She seems a bit restrained. That’s probably due to just losing her mother, but I have a feeling her leg also holds her back from being more outgoing.” Mia shrugged. “I may be way off base. I’m not a child expert.” She gave a harsh laugh. “Far from it, in fact.”

“Actually you’re right. Before the accident, Lily was bubbly, giggling all the time. You’re the first one I’ve heard make her laugh in ages.” His frown reappeared. “I should visit her more often. Maybe take her out so she doesn’t brood. I’ll have to do better.”

Caleb’s soft voice, his thoughtful words and the gentle goodbye kiss he’d brushed across Lily’s cheek all revealed his soft spot for her. Mia found it indescribably attractive that this hard-nosed lawyer became putty in Lily’s tiny hands.

“Thank you for taking me to meet her. She’s a darling child. It’s Harlan’s loss that he didn’t really know her.” It was the first time she’d ever said anything negative about her husband, but after meeting Lily, Mia was annoyed that he’d apparently ignored the sweet little girl, his own daughter.

“You and she seemed to bond.” Caleb’s mild tone made her check his face. Nothing unusual there, but the way he’d said it, almost smugly...

“Who wouldn’t bond with Lily?” Mia was immediately sorry she’d said that because they both knew Harlan hadn’t bonded with her. “I wish you the best in finding her a new family to love her,” she added, hoping to dissuade him from considering her as a candidate for Lily’s mother.

“Thanks.” Caleb fell silent.

Mia bit her lip. If Caleb knew about her past, the mistake she’d made that had cost a child his life—she refocused, saw his face alter into that blank-mask look he favored.

“So what’s next for you, Mia?” he asked.

“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that question.” Wondering at the reason for his query, Mia searched his face for a clue. “Why?”

“Just wondering if you’d come and visit her again,” he said.

Visiting Lily alone was the last thing she could do.

“I have no way to get out here. I don’t drive, remember?” The joke fell flat when Caleb suddenly slowed and turned right. “Wh-where are we going?”